Some could argue that Joe Budden‘s rocky history with Def Jam was a blessing in disguise for the veteran emcee; in addition to sparking a strong underground buzz, Budden’s trials and tribulations helped turn him into the lyricist he is today. Additionally, the New Jersey native has the advantage of having been a long time hip-hop follower; Jumpoff Joey remembers that back in the day, music was less about the money and more about The Soul. With his symphonic production, Cardiak helps add more soul to The Soul (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and evokes not only the audience’s greatest memories, but also the hope that a new, similar age is upon us. Joe Budden’s digital exclusive, Halfway House, is available today, with the long-anticipated Padded Room scheduled for release on February 24.